Editor,
Car parking is a major problem in Shillong city and its suburbs. Following the rapid increase of car ownership, Shillong city is suffering from lack of car parking areas. Numerous localities in Shillong Road have become a private parking space for residents. The parking problem in the city means actually that there is a gap between parking demand (number of cats in need of parking space) and parking supply (number of parking spaces sufficient to cars in need to park). Due to insufficient off-street parking (parking lot) the majority of cars park on-street. Subsequent state governments in their attempt to address traffic congestion had constructed park lots as a solution to the parking problem. However, some of these parking spaces have been converted into commercial complexes. For instance, 40 % of the parking space at a parking lot located opposite to SBI, Main Branch have been leased for commercial shops.
Shillong needs more parking space of larger capacity using modern technologies viz. mechanical garage to reduce on-street parking – the root cause of traffic congestion in the city. Kudos to Woodland Hospital for having constructed the first mechanical garage in its new building.
Yours etc.,
Dr Omarlin Kyndiah,
Via email
The dollar remains mighty
Editor,
The mighty dollar further triumphs with the coming of Donald Trump. The BRICS nations, particularly Russia and China, have shown interest in exploring alternatives to the dollar, but there are many obstacles to overcome, including economic and political pressures from the US. The US dollar has long been the dominant currency in global trade and finance. Trump on Saturday said that BRICS countries “can go and find another sucker,” and warned that any attempt to replace the dollar could result in severe economic consequences, such as 100% tariffs on countries that try to create or back a new currency. The US dollar remains deeply entrenched in the global financial system, making it difficult to displace. Replacing the dollar would require significant coordination and agreement among multiple countries, as well as overcoming economic and political influence of the US.
So for now, the mighty dollar remains firmly in place. While it is possible that a new currency could emerge in the future, it would require a high level of coordination and agreement among multiple countries. Trump’s warning to the BRICS nation about de-dollarisation stems from his desire to maintain the US dollar’s dominance in global trade. The threat of a 100 percent tariff is a move aimed at protecting US economic interests and ensuring that the dollar remains the primary currency for international transactions. Trump’s stance also reflects his broader economic and geopolitical strategy to keep the US at the forefront of global trade and finance.
If the US continues to weaponize the dollar, it could lead to significant geopolitical and economic shifts. Countries might seek alternatives to reduce their dependence on the US dollar, potentially accelerating the de-dollarization movement. This could involve creating new currencies or strengthening existing ones, as well as developing alternative financial systems to bypass US influence. However, such moves come with their own set of challenges and risks. The US dollar’s dominance is deeply entrenched in the global financial system, and any attempt to replace it would require substantial coordination and agreement among multiple countries. Additionally, the US could impose economic sanctions or tariffs on countries that attempt to move away from the dollar, further complicating the situation. In the long run, the continued weaponization of the dollar could lead to a more fragmented global financial system, with multiple competing currencies and financial networks. This could increase economic uncertainty and volatility, but it might also provide opportunities for countries to assert greater financial independence.
The potential benefits or drawbacks to de-dollarization are multifaceted. Some of the key points to consider for its potential benefits are – countries could gain greater control over their monetary policies and reduce their vulnerability to US economic sanctions. A more diversified global financial system could reduce the risk associated with relying on a single currency. For some countries, moving away from the dollar could lead to more stable economic conditions, especially if they are frequently affected by US monetary policy changes. The potential drawback is that transitioning away from the US dollar could cause significant short-term economic instability and volatility. Creating and maintaining a new currency or financial system would require unprecedented levels of international cooperation and agreement. Further, countries attempting to de-dollarize might face economic sanctions or tariffs from the US, which could harm their economies. While de-dollarization could offer some benefits, it also comes with substantial risks and challenges. The success of such an initiative would depend on the ability of countries to navigate these complexities and work together effectively.
In 2022, the global trade value of goods exported worldwide amounted to approximately 24.9 trillion US dollars which is 23 percent of the global GDP. This figure reflects the extensive use of the US dollar in international trade, highlighting its dominance as the primary currency for global transactions. This widespread use of the dollar reinforces its dominance and makes it the preferred currency for many international transactions. This also means that fluctuations in the value of the dollar can have a significant impact on the global economy. Countries that rely heavily on the dollar for trade and finance may be affected by changes in US monetary policy or economic conditions.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
Ban on consumption of beef in public in Assam
Editor,
Recently, the Assam State Cabinet took a decision to ban consumption of beef in public places including in hotels, restaurants, marriage functions, etc. This is very unhealthy and is an intrusion into the private lives of citizens. While we welcome respect for other citizens’ beliefs and practices, in a country like India with diverse faiths their beliefs and practices should and must be respected. This is a right given by the Constitution of India. For Buddhists, for example, killing of animals, in general, is prohibited. However, consumption of any kind of flesh is not prohibited in Buddhism.
It is worthwhile to note that beef can be meat of various types of cattle, and not just meat of cows. It is a practice, especially among tribals, to consume beef. Even Assamese of various faiths consume beef in various parts of Assam. It is a common practice among all people in the neighbouring states of Assam to consume this flesh for its rich content of vitamins, protein, iron, etc. No one from the citizenry, in general, had much issues about the consumption of beef.
The Government in Assam is hell bent to please certain bosses and certain sections, rather than making a prudent economic and societal decision. We demand complete withdrawal of such a ban.
Yours etc.,
D Bhutia,
Guwahati